From modernity to memes: Reexamining visual culture as a Christian vehicle

Abstract

This article examines the expanding field of research on religious memes. Alongside a brief overview of current scholarly directions, it proposes new methodological avenues for studying memes that converge at the intersection of religion and internet humour. Drawing on a range of theoretical perspectives—from Walter Benjamin's reflections on modernity to H. Richard Niebuhr's typologies of religious engagement—it introduces fresh conceptual frameworks for analysis. Historical analogues of visual mass media from other periods of convergence are also explored, including the work of early 20th century Chinese Christian artists and contemporary Hong Kong activist artists, highlighting how visual culture has long served as a site for negotiating religious meaning in times of social transformation.